What kind of funding does the Sewer Utility receive?
The Sewer Utility is solely funded through fees from sewer ratepayers. The Utility does not receive any funds from County tax revenue and cannot provide any financial assistance to other public works divisions or county departments. 98% of the Sewer Utility's revenues comes from residential customers. Annual applications are made for grants and low interest loans to help extend funds and maintain reserves. The focus of the Sewer Utility is to protect public health and the environment while providing cost effective service for our customers.
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Why are sewer rates increasing?
County Code 13.14.080 mandates monthly sewer fees to cover the maintenance, operation, and replacement of sewer systems. Washington State law RCW 36.94.140 mandates sewer utilities to charge customers an amount that will cover any debt, operational expenses, and maintenance costs.
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Why is an increase needed now?
The Utility has determined the 6.31% increase for 2024 and 2025 is sufficient to maintain funds and reserves.
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Does Kitsap County offer any discounts on sewer fees?
A senior/low income discount is given to customers that meet the Assessor's criteria for the Senior/Disable Exemption on property taxes. The current discount on sewer accounts is 25%.
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What services are paid for by sewer fees?
Operating four sewage treatment facilities with state-certified operators, laboratory analysts, and technical staff to meet state and federal requirements. The sewage treatment plants have received numerous outstanding performance awards. Maintenance, repair, and replacement of all mechanical and electrical equipment at the County's sewage treatment plants and 64 sewage pump stations. Properly maintained equipment reduces energy use and provides for a more efficient conveyance system. Collections, repair, and replacement of 152 miles of gravity pipe, 48 miles of pressure pipe, and 5 miles of outfall (discharge) pipe, along with associated appurtenances such as 3,760 manholes throughout the county. Collections staff rotate to provide 24-hour emergency response. Engineering review and construction inspection of developer-funded sewer system designs to ensure compliance with county and state standards and codes. Manage assets and permit property owners to connect into the County's sewer systems. Administration of the Sewer Utility program, including billing, customer service, adherence to county and state regulations, and education and outreach to the public. Bond obligations - annual payments for revenue bonds the Sewer Utility has issued to construct large capital projects. The term of the bonds is typically 20-years. Capital projects to upgrade outdated infrastructure, most of which is 45+ years of age, improvements to manage future energy use, meet changes in regulation requirements, and increase sewer system capacity for the County's growing population.
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How do Kitsap County's sewer rates compare with other localities?
Here is how Kitsap County's residential sewer rates compare with others in the region. Monthly sewer rates for a single-family residence in 2023 (based on 700 cu. ft. of water usage):
Jurisdictions in Kitsap County:
| Other jurisdictions in the region:
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Kitsap County (proposed 2024 rate)
| $98.06
| Clallam County PUD
| $80.43
| City of Bainbridge Island
| $105.20
| City of Gig Harbor
| $120.92
| City of Bremerton
| $74.96
| Jefferson County PUD
| $61.99
| City of Port Orchard
| $81.50
| Lacey/Olympia/Tumwater (LOTT)
| $72.43
| City of Poulsbo
| $87.62
| Mason County (Allyn)
| $118.91
| West Sound Utilities
| $67.68
| Mason County (Belfair)
| $96.00
| | | | Pierce County
| $59.06
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| | Seattle Public Utilities
| $123.41
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| Sequim
| $61.16
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Sewer Utility Capital Projects
In compliance with RCW 36.70A.130(2)(a)(iv) and KCC 21.08.020, Kitsap County Department of Public Works, Sewer Utility assesses the County owned/operated municipal sanitary sewer systems and develops a Six-Year Capital Facilities Plan. See the 2023-2028 Sewer Utility Capital Facilities Plan. Projects completed or under construction in 2023: Silverdale Pump Stations Upgrades: Upgrades to PS 19 and replacement of PS 31. This is part of a larger project to replace and upgrade outdated sewer infrastructure in Silverdale. Estimated total project cost is $6,292,000.
Chico Creek Bridge forcemain replacement: Move forcemain in roadway to new bridge installed by WSDOT. Estimated total project cost is $350,000. Bangor/Keyport Forcemain Replacement: Replace five miles of forcemain from USN Bangor base to the CKTP in Brownsville. A portion of this forcemain from State Hwy 308 to CKTP includes Poulsbo and USN Keyport base sewage flows. Estimated total project cost is $23,000,000. Pump Station 4 and Conveyance Improvements: This project will increase capacity and upgrade Pump Station 4 at the corner of Fredrickson Road and Bucklin Hill Road in Silverdale. Also includes replacement of gravity sewer main and piping along portions of Fredrickson Road, Bucklin Hill Road, and portions of Carlton Street, Lowell Street, and McConnell Avenue. Estimated total project cost is $12,164,000. Solids Facilities Upgrades: Repairs to digesters at Central Kitsap Treatment Plant (CKTP) necessary for health and safety of employees and to maintain the biosolids permit while long term solids facilities are evaluated. Estimated total project cost is $65,300,000. Suquamish Treatment Plant pipe replacement: Replacement of deteriorated process piping throughout the treatment plant. Estimated total project cost is $1,500,000.
Central Kitsap Treatment Plant HVAC upgrades: Replacement of inefficient and obsolete HVAC systems for the accredited laboratory, the headworks building, and the process building. Estimated total project cost is $1,750,000.
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Learn more about the Sewer Utility Division
Take a tour of the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant in Brownsville and learn how wastewater treatment protects your health and the environment. This plant serves the Central Kitsap area, Silverdale, Keyport, Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station at Keyport, and the City of Poulsbo. An average of 4 million gallons of wastewater is treated here each day.
Kitsap County offers free tours to residents and school groups grades 4 and up. We also offer classroom presentations for all ages, education for community groups, and intern opportunities for individuals interested in a career in wastewater treatment.
Learn more about these and other educational opportunities offered by Kitsap County Public Works.
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